c. 1684, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
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Not much is known about John Ward, except he was a currier and was thought to have come over from England about 1660, in an attempt to flee the plague. His house, which he built at 38 St. Peter street about 1684 originally consisted of a single room. Sometime before 1732 a second room was added, and again the house was expanded in the 18th century. Today it’s one of the best preserved examples of 17th century, post medieval architecture in New England, or the United States for that matter. The Peabody Essex Institute took possession of the house, and moved it to Brown Street, opposite Howard Street in 1910, one of the first restorations of a historical house in the United States. Today the John Ward House is operated as an extension of the Peabody Essex Museum, and the first floor rooms are furnished with 17th century antiques, giving a look into what life was like during this time period.
